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"A good course- I realise just how much I didn't know!" Louise Martin, Sheffield City Council

"Useful and informative." Lisa Aspinall, Further Options

"Started course very confused, completed course more confident and knowledgeable." Linda Carpenter, Solihull Carers Centre

This course examines the major overhaul of the sickness benefits system and associated problems. The course applies equally to those presenting as 'sick' for Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance.   Around 1.5 million claimants are currently being 'migrated' to the new system from Spring 2011.  New descriptors and exemptions were introduced in March 2011 and January 2013. The Government aims to reduce the number of people on benefit and require most claimants to undertake work related activity.

This course will include—

  •     a brief history of the old system of sickness benefits and the reasons for change
  •     the medical tests; the Limited Capability for Work Assessment and the Limited Capability for Work Related Activity Assessment
  •     changes to these tests from March 2011 and January 2013
  •     permitted work under ESA and the different but similar system under Universal Credit  
  •     Work Focused Health Related Assessments and Work Focused Interviews
  •     Conditionality and responding to the new sanctions regime introduced from December 2012
  •     problems with the Work Capability Assessment highlighted by the Harrington and Litchfield Reviews
  •     5 possible appeals and responses
  •     maximising benefit- tactics for improving your client's chances
  •     at a glance differences between the old system and new

"essential for those assisting clients who are sick/ disabled"

duration— 1 day 10am- 4pm

course level- Update (for delegates with or without prior knowledge of the subject)

Cancellation

If you cancel the course more than 3 weeks before the commencement date, then a £55 administration fee will be payable. The course fee will remain payable if you cancel the course within 3 weeks of the commencement date. If we cancel the course, then full refunds will be paid to participants (excluding other costs, such as travel).

Transfers

You are free to transfer places between employees within your organisation at no extra cost.

 

BOOKING

Courses apply for law in England and Wales, not Scotland. 

Please click on a booking link above on the date you are interested in.

We aim to reply within one working day. 

Social Distancing has become the norm and therefore we have moved from face to face courses to online only.

cost- online 1 day (spread over 2 consecutive days 10am- 1pm with a break)

Social workers can choose to count courses towards their professional development.

Video Recording-  Due to General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR),  privacy and copyright  restrictions we request no recording of online training.

  cost per place
Public sector, housing associations and voluntary sector £220 online 1 day course 
Voluntary organisations with 5 or less full time staff

£185 online 1 day course 
Solicitors and financial services

£275 online 1 day course 

(5.25 hours(1.5 hours) CPD accreditation available).  Our allocated CPD reference is EJV/SWTL.

VAT will be added to the cost.

this includes-

  • comprehensive colour course guide 
  • colour Benefit rates poster 
  • certificate of attendance 
  • access to members' area for 1 year free-  post course help with your cases- this includes our consultancy forum(including Covid-19 related Benefit queries),  Universal Calculator to help you learn and advise,  online resources- at a glance guides,  standard letters, useful links and others,  Benefit Rates posters, ongoing news.